By now, many are probably asking what this ride is that I’m planning on doing March 6th - March 8th.  Long story short, I’ve been fortunate enough to be working with a company in an industry I enjoy very much….the Action Sports industry. One that equally mixes lifestyle, culture, and corporate into a single environment. Currently, that company is Osiris Shoes. It’s a company that has built a successful brand through 14 years of hard work. Some of that hard work has come through the support of its professional athletes. Athletes involved with Skating, Surfing, BMX, and Freestyle Motocross. One of our most visible athletes, FMX rider and champion, Jeremy Lusk, died after attempting one of his jumps he was so well known for. This happened at the beginning of February at an event in Costa Rica. Jeremy was only 24 years old and had a full life ahead of him. We had just renewed his contract through 2011. Unfortunately, the expenses started mounting up for the family and his wife. From the medical bills, to having to airlift Jeremy back home.

     With that in mind, we all have resources and capabilities that we can use to help others, regardless of how unique they might be. For myself, that happens to be cycling. I’ve raised funds in the low 5-figures for M.S. fundraising rides so I thought it would be a good platform to do the same.  Only this time the stakes are a bit higher to prompt higher levels of donation. I’ve scheduled to ride a 3-day solo ride form San Francisco to Irvine, where I’ll end at the Metal Mulisha offices, which was another sponsor of Jeremy’s. I’ll have overnight stops in Carmel and Solvang before finishing in Irvine. I’ve targeted a goal of $25,000 and have reached almost 50% of that goal. I’ve rallied our company distributors in 14 countries, key suppliers, as well as folks outside the company.  I also have a support driver who will be stationed at key points along the route should a bike change be necessary or to just have a quick nutrition hit.  The 3-day ride will total almost 470 miles and I estimate I’ll be on the bike approximately 27 hours.

     Would folks write the check anyway…they probably would based on the kind of person Jeremy was. But this type of effort creates a very positive vibe for those involved and gives them one more element to stand behind and unite in Jeremy’s memory.

http://www.osirisshoes.com/jeremy-lusk-trust/

 

Thanks for reading & wish me luck !!!!!

Jeffrey Ishmael